Boys

by Ella Hickson

BENNY. I saw one of them earlier, pop his baton under his arm and lift his visor up and eat a whole fucking hot dog.

  CAM. So?

  BENNY. Why do you need riot gear to eat a hot dog?

  CAM. You don’t.

  BENNY. Then why are they wearing it?

  CAM. I don’t think he put it on just so he could eat the hot dog.

  BENNY. I know that, you flaming idiot.

  CAM. What’s your point?

  BENNY. Why are they there if there’s no riot?

  CAM. Waiting for one I guess.

  Beat – CAM looks out of the window a moment.

  They’ll fuck off home when they run out of hot dogs.

  BENNY. Makes me angry.

  CAM. Don’t let it.

  BENNY. You sure those pills were shit?

  CAM. What?

  BENNY. You’re gurning like a bloody washing machine. Here.

  BENNY gets a piece of chewing gum out of his pocket and gives it to CAM; he puts his fingers on either side of his jaw and starts to massage it.

  CAM. Probably just a bit tense.

  BENNY. Oh yeah?

  CAM. I wanted to ask you something, Benny?

  BENNY. What?

  CAM. It’s stupid really.

  BENNY. Go for it.

  CAM. It’s tiny – it’s just – after the concert –

  BENNY finishes massaging CAM’s jaw and ruffles his hair.

  BENNY. There you go, munchalot.

  CAM. We were talking at a table after the concert, me and Viktashev, right? And he’s saying all this stuff about how exciting things are going to be and how I need to watch out because everyone is going to want a piece of me –

  BENNY. Did he put his hand on your leg? I’ll fucking kill him if he did.

  CAM. No – he didn’t put his hand on my leg.

  BENNY. He put his hand on your cock?

  CAM. No – (Laughing.) listen –

  BENNY. It’s no fucking laughing matter – I’ll chop his cock off, if you need someone to –

  CAM. No. No – listen, I’m being serious.

  BENNY. Shame.

  CAM. This old guy comes over to us. He’s got this camera. He’s dressed like an old-school artist – this silk-scarf thing and the soles of his shoes were thick and his coat was heavy, you could tell it had been really expensive. (Beat.) He says ‘Viktashev?’ He’s Russian, I think, Eastern European anyway. Viktashev seems not to recognise him – but the old guy asks if he can take our picture. Viktashev looks at me with his eyes wide and he raises his eyebrows and then he turns to the old guy and he says ‘no thanks’. Like fucking wincing and smug – (Imitates.) ‘no thanks’ and then, I think, he adds something like… buddy. Then Viktashev turns his head away from the old guy’s face really quickly and laughs a bit and smiles at me and his eyebrows go again and he says ‘so where were we?’ like he and I were on the same team against this old guy. But I didn’t want to be on Viktashev’s team. You know what I mean?

  But the old guy didn’t move – he just stood there, looking at us, then he starts rooting around in his bag. Viktashev gets a bit loud and says ‘look’ – with this hard ‘k’ that makes the old guy blink like he’s startled – and a bit of Viktashev’s spit lands on this old guy’s coat, but the old guy just keeps blinking and rummaging and Viktashev again ‘look’ – with the hard ‘k’ and buddy – ‘we’re having a meeting’. Like the old guy couldn’t see we were having a meeting? And I wanted to smile at the old guy to tell him it was alright but who the fuck am I to try and smile him out of the situation? So I don’t smile at him and I just look at the table.

  The old guy eventually finds this book and takes it out of his bag and he places it on the table – and immediately Viktashev puts his hand on it and I see that Viktashev’s wedding ring is new, really shiny and clean and I – somehow that makes me think – ‘what the fuck do you know?’ Viktashev tries to push the book off the table – but the old guy doesn’t even notice, he’s got his thumb wedged in between two of the pages and he’s opening it and I realise it’s his like album, his portfolio – and he’s smiling because he thinks the second we see it we’ll understand, so he’s smiling. Viktashev is calling for security and I can see photos of all these ballerinas that I think I recognise and an actor and musicians, and then right at the end there’s fucking Picasso, this amazing photo of him – when he’s just about to start painting, the paintbrush is like seconds away from the canvas – it’s class – and I think, fuck me, this guy’s taken Picasso’s photo.

  Beat.

  BENNY. Did security come?

  CAM. Aye but before they got there the old guy just smiles – he’s got yellow squares for teeth, really square like Travel Scrabble pieces, the little magnetic ones, no letters though, obviously – anyway – I say – ‘I think they’re really good.’ (Beat.) Benny – who the fuck am I to say – ‘I think they’re really good’? I’m a fucking kid compared to him. Why isn’t anyone looking at him? He’s taken Picasso’s fucking picture. He’s done a whole life. (Beat.) What would you do if someone told you – if you knew – if the look in some old guy’s face told you that being young was as good as it ever fucking gets?

  Beat.

  BENNY looks at CAM. BENNY doesn’t respond.

  There is an explosion outside the window – it’s dulled by distance but we can feel it.

  ACT TWO

  Scene One

  There is an explosion outside the window – it seems closer now, the room shakes.

  BENNY. What the fuck was that?

  They both go to the window to look out.

  CAM. It’s burning.

  BENNY. Fucking hell.

  CAM. Fuck – that policeman’s on fire – look at him. Look.

  Beat – they stare.

  How did… (Stops himself from asking the question.)

  BENNY. Police vans don’t just explode.

  CAM. Must have overheated.

  BENNY. Engines were off, been there for hours. No way.

  CAM. Then /

  BENNY. Don’t know.

  Orange light continues to reflect through the window – the police van burns.

  CAM continues to chew, it’s manic, it’s tense.

  Take that fucking gum out, man… you’re killing me.

  CAM. I’m going to tell the others.

  BENNY. They won’t care.

  CAM exits.

  BENNY stands at the window. BENNY climbs up on top of the fridge. In the distance we can hear CAM telling the others about what has happened, no one enters.

  Long pause. BENNY looks out of the window.

  We can hear laughter from off.

  BENNY sits.

  TIMP enters, he is looking for weed, he finds some and sits at the table and begins to roll a joint.

  TIMP doesn’t see BENNY.

  LAURA enters soon afterwards and sits down next to him.

  LAURA goes to go and look out of the window.

  LAURA. You seen the /

  TIMP. Come here.

  TIMP beckons LAURA to him and she immediately goes over, forgetting the window completely.

  LAURA rests her head on TIMP’s shoulder whilst he rolls.

  LAURA doesn’t see BENNY.

  LAURA. It’s nearly midnight.

  TIMP. Hm.

  LAURA. Why don’t you ever tell the boys?

  TIMP. They’re usually away on holidays this time of year; never understood the fuss anyway.

  LAURA. You want water?

  TIMP. I’m alright.

  LAURA doesn’t move.

  You not having any?

  LAURA. Just wondered if you wanted it, that’s all.

  Pause.

  You were talking in your sleep Monday; really badly; couldn’t sleep at all.

  TIMP. It’s just dreams, eh.

  LAURA. Shouting, kind of – like you were shouting at something. You grabbed me.

  LAURA shows TIMP the mark.

  TIMP kisses the mark.

  TIMP. I�
�m sorry.

  LAURA. You were asleep, eh.

  TIMP. Yeah, but still.

  Beat.

  LAURA. It’s horrible to watch, your face all screwed up, grinding your teeth. I can’t take my eyes off you when you’re like it – it’s like a baby in pain or something.

  TIMP. I can never remember a thing.

  LAURA. Seems unfair.

  TIMP. Why?

  LAURA. Don’t know – guess just, me having to watch you – just – you know, waking up after, fresh as a fucking daisy, not remembering.

  TIMP. I can’t help it.

  LAURA. I’m not saying it’s your fault – I’m just saying it doesn’t seem fair, that’s all.

  TIMP. I’m asleep, aren’t I?

  LAURA. I know, I know. It’s just – it’s like there’s an earthquake and you’re right next to me but you’re sleeping right through it and making me hold up the whole room on my own.

  TIMP. I’m fucking asleep, Loz.

  LAURA. I know – It’s just weird, that’s all – it doesn’t matter.

  TIMP lights the spliff and starts smoking it.

  TIMP. I’m sticking to myself.

  LAURA goes to the sink and makes a towel wet, she lays it on TIMP’s forehead.

  LAURA. You ever think I should be a bit more...

  TIMP. What?

  LAURA. Sophie’s sort of – sophisticated, isn’t she?

  TIMP. Is she?

  LAURA. Yeah. I think so.

  TIMP. She’s from the south; southerners think their shit’s sophisticated.

  LAURA. I think you’re sophisticated.

  TIMP. That’s because I am.

  Beat.

  LAURA. You ever think about what you’ll be like when you’re old?

  TIMP. No.

  LAURA. I sometimes look at the back of my hand and wonder what it will look like when it’s all wrinkly. Like that same bit of skin right there, and either I die first or that will definitely happen – you ever think about that?

  TIMP. It’ll be different skin.

  LAURA. Look at it though, imagine – isn’t that weird?

  TIMP. No.

  LAURA. It’s weird that there’s no way round it.

  TIMP. I’ll buy you some hand cream.

  LAURA. I remember being like ten and being naked on my bed and looking down at my flat little body and imagining what it would be when there were tits and pubes and things.

  TIMP. Things?

  LAURA. Tits and pubes. And thinking it was the weirdest thing that they would just be there. No other option; you know what I mean?

  TIMP. I’ve yet to grow into my tits.

  LAURA. Imagine all your tattoos; you’ll look like a page of writing that’s been rained on.

  TIMP. Thanks.

  LAURA. Timp?

  TIMP. Yeah.

  LAURA. I’ll still love you; even when you’re smudged.

  TIMP smiles at LAURA, gets up and goes and refills his glass.

  Them all graduating, makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

  TIMP. I hate this.

  LAURA. What?

  TIMP. When you get all, you know, thinky, in the middle of the fucking night. It does my nut in. Where is everyone – it’s not even fucking midnight – why we given up so early?

  LAURA. Shut up, I’m being clever.

  TIMP. No you’re not – you’re being a pain in the arse.

  LAURA. Doesn’t it make you think about what you’ll be – one day, when you’re old?

  TIMP. No. It makes me glad I’ve already got a job and didn’t waste twenty K on a fucking useless degree.

  LAURA. You know how I have a smoke every now and then – but, I wouldn’t say I was a smoker though, would you?

  TIMP. Laura? I love you very much.

  LAURA. I know.

  TIMP. But will you shut the fuck up?

  LAURA. No listen, if you just smoke every now and then for ages well then you must actually become a smoker at some point and I wonder when that is. If it’s an age or a time or – like I never intended to be a waitress, it was just something I was going to do for a bit until I stopped and did something proper and I just wonder when I stop being someone who was going to be a waitress for a bit and I just become a waitress. I don’t want to be your wife and a waitress... for example.

  TIMP. Stop thinking. It’ll hurt your head.

  LAURA. I think Cam might be really famous; my mum stuck his face on our fridge. I don’t think I’d want that.

  TIMP. Well, that’s lucky cos you don’t play the fucking violin.

  LAURA. I know it’s not very – I don’t know – it’s just, I only ever really think about being really good at being a mum. (Beat.) I know I shouldn’t say that, but I don’t know, somehow that seems like enough. Like it’s really important, somehow. Don’t know why. I’d like to make a home for us. Is that weird?

  Beat.

  TIMP. No.

  LAURA. I sometimes wonder how Sophie feels, knowing that she wasn’t enough to stop him. You know?

  TIMP. Yeah.

  LAURA. I’m going to make a cuppa; those pills have made me head hurt.

  LAURA goes over to the kettle.

  TIMP. Not sure a cuppa’ll fix that.

  LAURA. Give it a bash, eh? Timp?

  TIMP. Yeah?

  LAURA. Would you like to move in with me?

  TIMP looks up at LAURA in silent shock.

  Some time passes.

  TIMP. Not yet eh? When we’re a bit older... maybe.

  LAURA. Just thought I’d ask. In case... doesn’t matter though.

  Unseen by TIMP she gets a tiny cupcake and a candle out of the cupboard.

  LAURA puts the candle into the cupcake.

  TIMP. I’d die without you, babe.

  TIMP exits.

  LAURA. I know, you big dildo.

  LAURA lights the candle and turns around to give TIMP the cake – but TIMP has gone.

  LAURA stands – crestfallen – behind the candle light she sees BENNY on top of the fridge.

  LAURA freezes a minute – unsure of what she’s seen.

  BENNY. Hiya.

  LAURA. Buggery wank fuck, Benny. You scared the life out of me – you shouldn’t do that.

  BENNY. Sorry.

  LAURA. How long you been up there?

  BENNY. I dozed off. Door woke me.

  LAURA. I thought you’d gone to bed.

  BENNY. Couldn’t sleep.

  LAURA. You want a cup of tea, babe?

  BENNY. Yes please.

  BENNY climbs down.

  BENNY sits and watches LAURA making tea – there is something calming about her.

  You looked out the window?

  LAURA. No.

  BENNY. Police van – exploded – burnt out. Twitter says they’ve arrested someone.

  LAURA. Oh no. Where’s your mug?

  BENNY. Over there. Laura?

  LAURA. Yep.

  BENNY. You think it’s more important to be honest or to be happy?

  LAURA. Milk?

  BENNY. Thanks.

  LAURA. Sugar?

  BENNY. No – thanks.

  LAURA. I don’t think I’ve ever made you a cup of tea before, isn’t that funny?

  Beat.

  BENNY. But if –

  LAURA stops making tea for a moment and comes over and holds BENNY’s head in her hands, she kisses the top of his head and gives him a big cuddle.

  LAURA. I think we’re quite similar you and me, Ben. Need things feeling safe before we can rest. Otherwise you get so anxious in your tummy, you know – so sort of scared, need things to feel, level.

  BENNY. Yeah.

  LAURA. Horrible innit, when it’s all all over the shop?

  BENNY. But?

  LAURA. You know what I do. I – I have this picture in my mind of how things are going to look when they’re all sorted; I sort of make a safe place in my head. Like me on a sofa with fluffy slippers, don’t know why they’re fluffy but they are – and Timp with his hand on my head, li
ke he does, and us watching the TV and whenever things are looking a bit grim – I just focus really hard on that picture and I know that whatever happens now, doesn’t really matter in the long run – just so long as I eventually get to that sofa – you know what I mean?

  BENNY. But how do you know you’re going to get there?

  LAURA. Cos I can see it. I wouldn’t be able to see it if it weren’t real, would I?

  BENNY. What if you lose your picture? If a bit of it breaks.

  Beat.

  LAURA. Can’t see how I could lose it, it’s in my head, int it? Who can steal it from in there – you plonker.

  LAURA passes BENNY his cup of tea and ruffles his hair.

  BENNY. But what if Timp /

  LAURA. Stop thinking so much. It’ll hurt your head.

  BENNY. Laura?

  LAURA. Don’t, Ben.

  Scene Two

  SOPHIE bursts through the door; she’s got a bubble beard on and is looking for someone, she doesn’t find them... she’s laughing – excited.

  SOPHIE. Hi.

  LAURA. Hey.

  BENNY. I’m going to try and get some sleep.

  SOPHIE. Oh no – come and play – look at my beard!

  BENNY. It’s brilliant. (Beat.) You seem so okay, Sophs.

  SOPHIE. What?

  BENNY. Everyone was so worried you’d... but actually you’re fine.

  Beat.

  SOPHIE. I –

  BENNY. I’m saying it’s a good thing.

  BENNY exits.

  LAURA still stands with her tea, relaxed.

  SOPHIE. You coming back through?

  LAURA. In a minute.

  SOPHIE turns to leave – just before she exits.

  Sophs? Can you untwist my bra strap for me – it’s digging right in and I can’t reach it, keep trying and getting in a muddle.

  SOPHIE. Sure.

  SOPHIE approaches.

  It’s not twisted.

  LAURA. Oh. It felt like it was.

  SOPHIE. Nope – all fine.

  LAURA. Who were you looking for?

  SOPHIE. Hm?

  LAURA. When you came in – you were looking for someone.

  SOPHIE. Was I?

  LAURA. It wasn’t Benny or me.

  SOPHIE. What?

  LAURA. You looked like you hadn’t found who you were looking for.

  SOPHIE. Did I?

  LAURA. Who were you looking for?

  SOPHIE finishes doing the bra strap – pause – they stare at one another.

  SOPHIE. I was looking for my cardigan.

  LAURA. Oh, it’s here – I saw it earlier – one sec.